Rogue roofer handed custodial sentence

A Wirral man who took money from multiple clients but did not complete roofing and renovation work has been sentenced to 32 months imprisonment.

Richard Williams (53), of Wimbrick Hey in Wirral, was prosecuted by Cheshire West and Chester Council for 16 counts of Section 2 Fraud by false representation (Fraud Act 2006) at Chester Crown Court.

The charges relate to the 16 separate victims of his fraud, many attended court for the two-hour hearing. Offences were dated from May 2019 to September 2023 and his victims were from Cheshire, Merseyside and Flintshire.

Once the majority of the contracted price was paid, Williams would fail to show at the victims addresses. Leaving them with incomplete work, which they had to have completed by a third party contractor. What work was done, was of poor quality and in many cases needed to be removed and re-done.

In some cases, money was taken and no work was done at all. The total value of the fraud was £75,840.

After the hearing many of Williams’ victims commented on his sentencing:

Janine:

“He didn’t just steal my money he stole my peace of mind and the dream I was building in my home. I have not only lost my money but have had to pay out further money, hiring new builders to carry out and complete the work he never did that was originally agreed.”

Gareth:

“It was a long journey, but we got a result. Friday was an emotional day for most of us.”

Louise:

“I would like to express my thanks to Trading Standards at Cheshire West and Chester Council and to the other victims involved in this case for their courage and resilience throughout this long process while we have waited for justice to be served. His actions have completely destroyed our trust in tradespeople. The emotional, financial, and practical effects of what he did will stay with us for a very long time.”

Sophie:

“I am relieved that the court has recognised the seriousness of what happened and that a custodial sentence has been imposed. The impact of Richard Williams’ actions has been devastating – both financially and emotionally. I was left with significant financial loss and a home that was uninhabitable, something that has and will take years to recover from.”

During one interview Williams tried to blame his female victim:

“I don’t know what it is with these small women, they just go like a banshee straight away. You say you can’t go there one day, that’s it, they’re off.”

During the hearing, HHJ Berkson commented how the Council’s Trading Standards team had done a ‘painstaking examination of the case’.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Pride and Community Safety, Councillor Stuart Bingham said:

“I am really pleased that our Trading Standards Officers were able to help these residents get justice.  The damage done by rogue traders goes beyond money and is a real threat to their victim’s mental and physical health.”

“Rogue traders like this face going to jail, big fines and compensation orders.  Our Trading Standards Officers work hard to protect residents in Cheshire West and Chester from this type of fraudulent business activity, but they need your help. Please report anyone you think may be a ‘cowboy builder’ so that we can bring them to justice.”

Report rogue traders on the Citizens Advice Consumer Service consumer helpline: 

0808 223 1133 

...or online at: 

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